[Rebecca]

Would any Christchurch people have nettle seedlings/sturdy plants they can spare? I’ve just taken my two inside with a few Admiral cats on board but don’t think there’ll be enough (first time with admirals, not sure how hungry they get).

I’m in Woolston – I’ll be going to Butterfly Day at Bromley this Sunday (27th) or I would come to you. I have about 20 pots plus potting mix ready to go…

[Rebecca]

Thanks for the suggestion. I’ve potted another 6 small plants this morning (rinsed first) and I’ll definitely soak any cuttings I bring inside. I’ve just been checking the ones indoors, tweezering aphids off the stems (yes I’m obsessive) – no spiders.

I’ll definitely need more plants. I’ve counted on the two plants at least one 20mm caterpillar, ten 10mm, maybe 3 or 4 smaller and I think there could still be a few more eggs.

[Errol]

Might be an idea to wash the nettle cuttings under the tap with cold water. To remove any nasties that may be lurking in the leaves – such as tiny spiderlings. Perhaps even leave the cuttings soaking under water for an hour or two?

Good luck.

[Rebecca]

Thanks, I’ll try that, I’ve got some tiny plants sprouting down near my fence.

[Mik]

I am growing admirals in a caterpillar castle, I started of with nettles in pots but found that if I cut nettle stems they keep fresh for 4-5 days in a jar of water – need a good pair of rubber gloves!

[Author]

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